FD & Fam Trip Report - June 09

[fd1972uk]

Trip Report – Monday 1st June to Friday 5th June 2009.

Sorry about the time putting this up, but though I’d get this posted to let you know about our first trip to the magic place.

My wife and I had previously visited Orlando twice at the end of the 90s which where fantastic and we are big Disney fans. Our little girl is 3 and she has grown up with Disney too. It is also a sampler for her for Orlando which is on a grander stage than the smaller European equivalent.

Our group consisted of us 3 and my brother and his 2 boys (5 & 1).

We booked up last year for Cheyenne Hotel as it appealed to me for years when I saw this hotel in the brochure. We also went for the HB+ option which I think only cost us around £15-£18 and about £12 for the kids if I remember right.

We flew from Edinburgh to CDG, leaving around 9.30am, only problem we had was our little un being sick on the way to Edinburgh and then was sick in the bus that took us from the plane to the terminal.

Didn’t have too long to wait on the VEA Shuttle bus, that did the business and off we went to our hotel. We must’ve been in for around 2.15pm-ish.

Checked in and were allocated in the Sitting Bull Building. My brother had his room adjoining to ours, was very useful during our stay. Our room wasn’t actually available at the time but we decided to hit the park anyway that day so decided to do this and then get our room key later. Was nearly robbed though at the reception, by Goofy!! Hehehe…………..as he was walking back from outside he stuck his finger at my back pretending to have a gun before heading through the door that I was next to.

Before I head into our day in the park, thought I’d give the low-down on our accommodation.

Cheyenne Hotel

Since I’ve saw this hotel in the brochures I have to say out of all the hotels in Orlando and Paris this is the one that I’ve always wanted to stay in. Being one of the ‘budget’ hotels makes it all the better. I even like the looks of Santa Fe having walked through it a couple of times.

This themed hotel for me was the best out of all the other hotels, it was like you where really in a cowboy town. Obviously the other hotels like New York and Port Orleans is of higher standard, but personally I’m not a big fusser in terms of rooms etc. The hotel had limited amenities, although I did feel the Disney shop was good though with a lot of little bits and bobs.

The Red Garter Saloon was small but well done, liked the little dart-board with the rifle instead of darts……..hehe. Alcohol was expensive, but to be expected.

The Chuck Wagon Café was nice too, very spacious and had a good selection of food. Very busy at the opening of the buffet though, queue can get ridiculous.




Day 1 – Disneyland Park


After the above happenings, we decided to get our first taste of the parks. We had already decided to hit Disneyland Park on our first day and it was opened late on the Monday. So first stop was my brother’s room to drop off our cases and worry about unpacking when we came back. Got our little one into her red mini mouse dress and ears that where purchased from the Disney Shop at hotel and headed off.

Disneyland Park was the one to hit due to it being the equivalent of MK in Orlando and also due to the fact that the Peter Pan ride was closing during the rest of our stay so wanted to make sure the kids got on that. The other plus point was that the 1st June they would be open to 10pm.

Off we went and took a nice stroll up towards the park taking in the sights and then entering The Disney Village, from which we booked the Wild Bills night for Tuesday (day 2). We then decided to feed the kids so headed to McDonalds. Then after that head through the gate we were delighted to come to the park entrances. It was very comforting to know that both parks where next door to each other and within so easy a walk from our hotel. Found this 100x better than the travelling nightmare that is Orlando, although obviously to be expected due to the differing sizes.

Once through the gate and onto Main Street (getting our map in at the same time as well as showtime/emh leaflets) noticed how similar it is to Orlando with the same type of shops and even Casey’s at the exact same location on the corner. Caught the Minnie Train Parade in passing, but as our little girl isn’t too great with 6ft furry characters we had to dodge out the way of the characters coming off the train.

We headed for Fantasyland and made our way to Peter Pan, however the queue was huge and there was a 60m wait. We decided to get it out the way, although even it being my brothers first visit the wait did tell on him and he was wondering if this trip was such a great idea with huge queues like this with 2 kids, we probably waited nearer 90m. Anyways we got this out the way and decided to hit the rest of fantasyland and get as much out the way as possible managing to get in It’s a Small World, Dumbo, Storybook Boat, Casey Jnr.

We decided to head back to the hotel though for 9.30pm dinner at Cheyenne. Obviously with it being later it was a lot more quiet and easy to get around to get food which was still hot and being refilled. Got our free drinks and had a nice mixed buffet.

We then headed back to our rooms got our room key and then unpacked and then straight to bed.


Day 2 – Disney Studios

It was our intention to go to Disney Studios on the 2nd day after getting our first taste at DLP.

We decided that we would have a mid-day break, sleep back at the hotel and then head back to the park. However what happened more to the case was a late lie-in and didn’t get there till around noon. Although we had headed off a bit earlier than my brothers group and we decided to head to Annette’s to have something to eat as we’re big 50s fans. We got a nice meal in there and then headed off to the park.

Off we went through the entrance and just before heading into the restaurant indoor area at DS we noticed Minnie having pictures taken with guests at the car outside. We tested the water with our little girl to see if she would want a photo but that was a huge no-no as she started screaming not to see her and get her as far away as possible from Minnie, so that was the end of any proposed pictures with characters.

So off we headed into the park. Once through it was a quick few photo opportunities, noticed the HSM float out. We then met my brother and his boys at the entrance. Wanted to get a few of the stuff over and done with for the little uns, went to the magic carpets and cars rides. My brother took his 5 year old onto Crush Coaster which had ridiculous queues, think it was a 65m wait, whilst we took our little un and his 1 year old with us during this time watching Cinemagique and Art of Disney (with it being dark, the 1 year old was a bit scared).

We decided that the TOT and Aerosmith rides would be for another day as wanted to get as much for the kids as possible, so took in the movie tour tram.

We never took in the cars parade and elected to head home to get ready for Wild Bill’s show which would be the earlier 6.30pm show due to the kids. So off we went back home to get ready.


Day 2 – Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show

We where running a bit close to the start as we where held back a bit by my brother running over to the Garage to get some milk for his little un. Got our hats and headed in to catch the show just starting. Mickey & Co. where already out as the show had just begun.

All in all we found the show excellent, the food was okay, nothing spectacular but having already been on similar nights I was half expecting this. Only downside was the servers weren’t too generous with the alcohol, I can only recall one and a half fill-ups.

Our team won the most contests (Yellow), however blue won the final contest which I think declared them the winners.

Also I believe this is the first year of the introduction of the Disney characters being added to the show, I thought it was a nice touch and added something for the kids.

However disaster struck at the end of the show. On the way out the 5 year old went walkabouts as we came down the stairs and got the prams. It was a very worrying time and the Wild West crew where excellent and went outside to look for him. It must’ve been close on 1.5 hrs we looked as their other show was starting and still some of their staff where out looking. In the end it ended well as miraculously the 5 year old managed to make his way back to the Cheyenne where staff questioned him and then my brother was contacted by a park officer who advised he’d been found and he was dropped off in a car. Both me and my brother had run back to the hotel just in case on separate occasions. Obviously there was worries to what could’ve happened to him and we had scoured the train station just in case, as you never know. He even had the common sense not to talk to go with strangers as he was confronted by a fellow Cheyenne guest who thought he was lost (they actually reported him to hotel staff), when we had returned to the Hotel we sat outside at the play area and the german lady said that she knew he was lost but said that he would not go with her when she asked if he was lost. Phew!!

Then it was off to bed to prepare for Day 3.


Day 3 – Disneyland Park


We had decided previously that we would get use of the EMH, so we all headed off pretty early and got in around 8.30-8.45am.

First we hit Space Mountain as it was due to close on Thursday for works. Walked practically straight on (5min wait) and it was excellent. Far better than Orlando’s version, unfortunately we didn’t pick up the photo and it was too late at the end of the night so we missed that as the ride shut down from Thursday onwards for maintenance, arrrrrghhh!

Headed over to Frontierland, let kids play around fort area. Wife watched the 2 little ones as me and bro and 5 year old went on BTM, grabbed a couple of pics at the same time, liked how it was done with the link to the Island for the ride. Went over to Phantom Manor which was opening around 11am, also same as US.

We then hit Casey’s for a quick munch, Nuggets where beautiful.

We then headed back to the hotel for a quick nap, heading back we where a bit earlier than my brother and we headed to the castle, took in the various parts around there including the Dragon underneath the castle, although our little girl wasn’t too keen on that so she waited outside with her Mum as I ventured to face the fire-breating monster……………….., we then headed over to the Nautilus feature they have to catch a glimpse of the giant squid. Not much to it tbh, remember seeing this in Orlando about 10 years ago, but never seemed to be open, guess it was the same thing.

Headed onto Adventureland, we headed into the Aladdin walkthrough feature they have and then the 3 of us jumped on POTC, our little girl was a bit scared of the dark and noise though.

We then caught up with my brother who headed back to the park and caught the Mickey Magical Party dance or whatever it’s called in front of the castle. We then headed off to Adventureland, got Indy Jones out the way, was a walk-on, that was actually the poorest of the coasters, nothing too great. Also going round letting the kids play in the play area by the boat and skull rock, played there for quite a while. At the same time took in the Swiss Family Robinson Tree (twice). We then headed off to POTC to let the lot of us try it out, picked up a picture and I managed to get a POTC t-shirt which I’ve always been hunting for, not cheap 19E, but got it regardless.

Heading out my brother and his group and me headed back taking in the Dragon feature again.

We then headed back to Cheyenne to get ready and then catch our 7.30pm dinner at the buffet. Was very, very, busy with huge queues.

We then grabbed a couple of drinks, let the kids play in the pit and then headed off to bed.


Day 4 – Disneyland Park/Disney Studios

Got up early and we headed out to catch EMH at DLP first before heading to the studios. My brother’s group would meet us later in the park.

We went around fantasyland and got in the likes of Dumbo, Teacups and Carousel for the little one. Also got on Buzz Lightyear which was fun. We then decided to head off to the Studios.

Once in we headed off around the park, took in Stitch Live which was fantastic and Playhouse Disney which was packed, but very good for our little girl who loves watching the show on TV (she has been to UK tour at the end of last year).

We then headed over to Aerosmith attraction where you take part in one of the disaster scenes. Probably was a bit too much for our little one who was a bit scared. We then decided to head for something to eat and liked the look of the Cascadeurs des Stars (sp?). Bought 2 hot dogs and fries, and the little one got a mickey burger and fries along with drinks and an ice cream. Nearly 40 Euros though that was expensive.

We then headed off to meet my brother back in the Village, returning to the park we hit TOT and Aerosmith rides, Aerosmith was the best coaster we thought, the start is awesome. TOT didn’t have a big queue, 15 minute wait if I remember, the main delay is waiting at the lift door to get in, quite lengthy. Once again, the same as Orlando.

My bro then headed off to the Armageddon effect show to take that in. Then me and the wife went to Crush Coaster to try out, huge wait again, probably around an hour or a little more. That was a good ride, although very quick, dart and was more flung around than anything. However I thought there would be more interaction with the characters, apart from a brief picture of them it was getting thrown about in the dark.

Once we headed out it was off to the Stunt show which was very good. My brother headed home a bit earlier with his 2, however we watched the Cars Parade which was good, then we set off back to the hotel. We had booked The Steakhouse for 8pm. We decided during this time that we would try and do a bit of shopping too.

So headed back to the hotel and then off to the steakhouse had a lovely meal using the HB+ option (only prob was our little girl was knackered and fell asleep at the table, LOL). Only thing we paid for was a few alcoholic drinks. Then it was off to the shops to pick up some gifts for people and buy a few things ourselves. Spent quite a bit of time and money there, actually got out as the shops where closing.

Then it was back to the hotel and our room and get our stuff packed away as we where heading home on the Friday evening. Although we would be able to fit a little visit to the park again before we headed home.


Final Day – Day 5

We got up quite late and ensure everything was packed away to enable us to visit the park. Said our goodbyes to our rooms and left the cases at the luggage area.

Then it was off to the park to get some park time in, we arranged to meet my brother who was doing some final shopping.

We went to the park to get some final glimpses of the park. We also jumped on Snow White ride at this time and on the carousel.

We then headed out to meet my brother at the Disney Village where he had grabbed some chips and sandwiches.

Went under to see the dragon again then back onto Snow White and Pinnochio. Bro headed off to Buzz whilst we jumped into Alice Labyrinth.

Then we headed over to Frontierland, me and the wife hit BTM as we hadn’t got on together whilst the bro watched the kids.

We decided to see the dream parade before we headed back to the hotel to catch our bus for the airport. Headed off for a final My brother decided to wait in the 75m queue for Autopia with his 5 year old whilst we went to take our places for the parade along with his tot. Took in the parade which was really fun, although very crowded, but we managed to get a good spot just next to Walt’s and stood at a bin, so no-one could really get in front of us, although a group of French teens did park their butts in front of the tot, although he was peaking through their legs watching the show…………LOL. We then headed out the park, although waited at the Railroad to try and catch my brother out the park as time was ticking and we couldn’t get him on the mobi. Unfortunately we couldn’t see him so we headed back to the hotel, we had hoped to goto McD’s but as time was going we where a bit worried.

Back at the hotel we got our cases and prepared for the bus, my bro came with his 5 year old and we noticed they had been to McD’s…………grrrrrrrrrr!

Our flight was due at 8.25 from CDG and waited for the 5.30pm bus, however on arrival there was no room on the VEA. However we where advised that they had called in to the office to ensure another bus was on the way. Just after 6 the bus did come and off we went.

We arrived at the airport and around 7.15pm booked in, however we had problems checking in using the auto booth. Getting an attendant she tried to book us in, however to our horror we where advised that the aeroplane returning had problems with some of the seats and that we would most probably have to wait till the next morning to catch another flight, they did say that all bar one person could go home, but this was not possible especially with kids. They obviously said that this would be paid for, however we didn’t want to head out to a nearby hotel with a bunch of kids. So the attendant said that they would ask for any volunteers to give us the required seats. However as time went on nothing was happening. However around 8pm the girl said that there was some seats available that hadn’t been taken, so we could all get on and it was a mad dash through the passport check, the x-ray check and then off to get a little mini-bus to dart off to the plane. The attendant was brilliant and we owe her so much for getting it sorted, she had to do all the various checks as well as us.

We boarded the plane (after the mini-bus driver had driven past it……………doh!) and got on the plane. Obviously the plane had been held up a little, however I will now not jump the gun when slagging off people holding up planes thinking that it’s all their own fault. It appears they had more than 1 spare seat which was a bit annoying, and I actually got moved into 1st class. Guess it seems they wanted to try and sell these first before offering anybody the seats. Had one dumpling who I hadn’t cottoned on to what he meant when I switched seat. The usual “Best you move seat” which I got what he had meant once I thought about it, however couldn’t be bothered with an argument, was just happy we were heading home.

Anyways all ended well, plane even arrived on scheduled time as the pilot must’ve stuck the foot down (or whatever it constitutes putting the foot down in a plane).

And that my friend’s is our report. Although thought I’d just finish off with a brief review of the various things we found:-

Cheyenne Hotel – We where delighted with the choice, for me it’s the best themed hotel and had a great friendly feel to it. Rooms are basic, but to be expected. Was a little disappointed that the children’s play area (seemed to be a fort) was closed during our entire stay even though it was wonderful weather. Found the food nice with a good mixture. The location is top notch and just a short stroll to the parks/village.
Disney Village – Has a good mixture of eateries and a load of Disney shops. Was great that it was on the stretch to the Park’s via the hotel, everything was just so well set-out at this resort. Was disappointed that we didn’t get a chance to go to Rainforest Café, but we will the next time. Liked walking through this area before/after the parks.
Disney Theme Parks – Obviously both are a shrunk version of other parks, however with both being next door it was so accessible. DLP was laid out similar to Orlando, Main Street USA down to a tee (well, at the time we where there it was), rides for all the family. Was disappointed that there was no shows, but seems that you would have to visit during the summer shows to encounter this. Studios was good, although not very big and didn’t have too much in terms of rides, however I believe it is being expanded.
Overall – Excellent trip and excellent resort. Was so glad we booked the HB+ options as the prices where very expensive for food. The layout of the area is fabulous and for families with small kids it’s far better than the travel involved in places like Orlando. Obviously Orlando is on a grander scale and to be expected, but I don’t think I would enjoy buses and stuff around the various parks here. For the little ones this is fabulous and a great taster. Will definitely go back, as would like to try Summer, Halloween and Xmas trips. Going the 5 days got us around everything with the exception of a couple of things (only regret was Honey I shrunk the audience, forgot about this!). Therefore we would be able to go for less time as we’ve did so much already. However I would only want to book up Cheyenne or Santa Fe, and possibly the Explorer’s Hotel.

Thanks for reading.

Would also like to thank everyone for their help with the many questions I asked. Much appreciated and helped us have a fab time.


FD

 

[buttercup1982]

Loved your TR! Glad you had a good time! Shame about all the hastle on your plane though and it must have been awful for that 1 and a half hour your nephew was missing!

 

[whittysmum]

Great TR, thanks for sharing, glad you all had a good time.

 

[DLPdaft]

Thanks so much for posting your trippie . Nightmare with your nephew though, you all must have been so worried! Lots of adventures to re-tell when the kids are a bit older too .

 

[Ware Bears]

Eek, my heart was in my mouth whilst I was reading about your nephew ~ thank goodness he was found safe and well.

I've really enjoyed reading your report, thanks for sharing.

 

[scottwb]

Great TR! Reading it reminded me of the time we "lost" our 4 year old in Epcot, only for half an hour, but that was nerve wracking enough We were in a shop getting some gifts when she had wandered close to some automatic doors, the doors had opened, she stepped out, but couldn't figure out to get back in and wandered off looking for us! Again, the Disney staff were excellent - it almost seemed that they rehearse for these sort of things - staff fanned out in different directions, other staff phoned down to the entrance with her details etc. A young spanish couple had found her and were walking around with a very tearful four year old, trying to find the parents. She was handed over to the Disney search party who returned her to us. On return they let her choose a cuddly toy from the shop, so everything ended well. The 4 year old is now 15 and doesn't get lost but we now keep a very careful eye on our current 4 year old. Don't know how you kept it together for 1.5 hours though!